Without notifying the public, a quorum of the Portland City Council attended 2 site walks this spring related to its decision about the future of the city’s homeless shelter.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inMaine, News
State removes parcel near jail from potential land swap with Portland
City officials were considering the 10-acre County Way property for a new police station or a homeless shelter.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland council delays votes on working waterfront protections
The changes are aimed at protecting the water-dependent economy and averting a citizen’s referendum.
Posted inMaine, News
Residents raise objections to both of Portland’s proposed shelter sites
The City Council is expected to vote on a location for a new 150-bed shelter at its next meeting.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland councilor says he won’t seek second term
Brian Batson says he will not seek a second term representing District 3 on the Portland City Council, leaving the seat open in the November municipal election.
Posted inMaine, News
Homeless Portlanders worry new shelter will be far from downtown
City councilors on Monday will hold another public hearing about where to build a new 150-bed homeless service center.
Posted inMaine, News
Social services director’s firing part of larger turnover in Portland City Hall
With a few notable exceptions, other city employees appear to have left their city jobs for other job opportunities.
Posted inLife & Culture, Maine, News
Portland wants gamers gone from Evergreen Cemetery
City officials are asking the gamemaker to remove the coveted Pokemon Go icons sought by players.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland has fired its social services director, and the reasons are in dispute
The city cites David MacLean’s ‘concerning’ lack of knowledge about managing the $11.9 million social services budget, but his attorney says his client was fired for raising concerns about plans to build a new 150-bed homeless shelter.
Posted inMaine, News
Freeport resident gives $20,000 to support asylum seekers in Portland
Phyllis Jalbert, whose late husband survived the Holocaust, sent the check to the city this month.